Sensing the situation was deteriorating, Donald clutched his stomach and groaned, “Ouch, my stomach hurts so badly. Jennifer, can you call the department head for me?”
Jennifer glanced at Donald’s pathetic attempt at acting and ignored him. Irene didn’t acknowledge Donald’s entrance.
“Let’s talk outside,” Jennifer said, stepping out of the room. Irene followed, slamming the door shut with a loud bang. Unable to leave his bed and worried about a fight, Donald called Cathy for help.
Outside, Irene declared, “As long as I’m here, Jonathan won’t get involved with Teresa again.”
Jennifer sneered, “As Teresa’s only sister, I won’t let her remarry your son either. She can keep being bullied by a nasty old hag like you.”
Irene’s face twisted in anger. “If Teresa were worthwhile, I wouldn’t dislike her so much. But you know her better than I do. She’s lazy, spends money recklessly, and is obsessed with designer brands.”
“Sure, she’s pretty, but she’s not suited for a proper life. Or maybe you’re just like her?”
Jennifer scoffed, “Oh, so you’re the perfect homemaker now? Then why don’t you live with your son and spare my sister the trouble? Keep an eye on your son so he doesn’t ruin my sister’s life any further.”
Jennifer turned to leave, unwilling to argue further.
Irene crossed her arms and smirked mockingly. “Donald always listens to Jonathan. Do you think someone like you has what it takes to marry into the Lynn family?”
Jennifer froze, then turned back, her gaze fierce. “Who cares about marrying into your family? I’d be thrilled if Donald dropped the Lynn name altogether.”
Irene sneered, “Keep pretending. Everyone knows my son is the richest eligible bachelor in Nareigh. Donald has great prospects. If you’re not after his money, then what are you after?”
“You’re disgusting,” Jennifer snapped, her tone dripping with disdain.
Irene had never been insulted so directly. She said, “I always speak reasonably. Jonathan and Donald are men of good character, but whether you and your sister are sincere, I can’t say. After all, your sister was married to Jonathan for over two years, and she didn’t even get pregnant once.”
Jennifer noticed the longing for a grandchild in Irene’s eyes. Combined with Irene’s harsh judgment of Teresa, Jennifer almost revealed that Teresa had already borne Jonathan a son and was expecting another.
Jennifer clenched her fists, thinking, ‘I can’t let Teresa endure this vile woman’s torment. If Irene knew the truth, she would undoubtedly try to keep the children and discard Teresa.’
Jennifer said, “You say my sister couldn’t get pregnant after two years? Maybe the problem’s with your son. Why don’t you take your precious boy downstairs to the men’s clinic and get him checked out?”
Irene exclaimed, “You!” Noticing Cathy approaching, Irene grabbed her hand. “Cathy, did you hear what Jennifer said? What did I ever do to her? She lashed out at me like I was her mortal enemy.”
Jennifer glanced at Cathy, who looked visibly torn. “Mrs. Lynn, if you don’t like me or my sister, then just tell Donald we’re not a good match. I’m done with this.”
She stormed off.